Renewal levy was hot topic at Wednesday's Lexington school board meeting
LEXINGTON — With the primary election a month away, the school district's renewal levy is on everyone's mind.
Steve Risser introduced himself to the Lexington Local Schools Board of Education at Wednesday night's monthly meeting.
Risser is the chairman of the renewal committee ahead of the March 19 election. He described himself as an alumnus with two kids in school now.
"I've got a lot invested here," Risser said. "It's been a great school system for myself and my kids. I want to make sure that tradition of excellence continues."
The district is asking voters to approve a 6.4-mill, 10-year levy. It would cost the owner of a $100,000 property about $244 a year. The tax is not a new one; district officials haven't asked residents for new money since 2011.
Following property reappraisals, the millage is actually dropped to 4.5, though it will appear on the ballot as 6.4.
The levy raises $2.705 million a year, roughly 10% of the district's general fund.
Keith Stoner, board president, pointed out that it is illegal for anyone employed by the district to promote passage of a levy, per Ohio law.
"We as parents, we've got your back," Risser said. "Not just the board, but the entire school, the kids and the kids that are yet to come up."
Yard signs will be given out from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Western Elementary School.
A woman who attended Wednesday's meeting had several questions about the levy, particularly in light of the recent property reappraisals.
Treasurer Jason Whitesel told her the levy generates a fixed sum, regardless of property reappraisals.
Lore Whitney sworn in as new school board member
Wednesday's meeting was also noteworthy for the swearing-in of new member Lore Whitney. She is filling the vacancy left by her father, Robert Whitney, who died Jan. 1 at the age of 88.
A whopping 25 people expressed interest in filling the school board vacancy. Lore Whitney is a 1980 graduate and treasurer of the Lexington Athletic Booster Club.
Her father had spent nearly 60 years as a member of the board of education, making him the longest-serving school board member in the history of Ohio.
The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center recently released a resolution in memory of Whitney, who was board president for 40 years.
Three $500 scholarships will be awarded in his memory at 6 p.m. March 12 during the Franklin B. Walter program.
"Not only was Bob a close and dear friend of mine, but he was a friend of education, shown by dedicating his skills to Lexington for 60 years," MOESC board President Doug Theaker said in a news release.
Lexington Superintendent Jeremy Secrist appreciated the gesture.
"MOESC provides service and support to local public schools," he said. "It couldn't be more fitting, then, for MOESC to name its three scholarships in Bob's honor. I have never met anyone as committed to service and public education as Bob Whitney."
mcaudill@gannett.com
419-521-7219
X: @MarkCau32059251
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Lexington Local Schools has 6.4-mill renewal levy on March ballot
